Letter 3030: Ad Sindulfum diaconum

XXX To Sindulf the deacon Brother in the love of God, memorable for your worthy deeds, fixed fast in my heart, brother in the love of God: take gladly the road that leads to the hall of heaven; that you may rise the higher, take gladly the road. Bear the burden patiently, and let the holy load not weary you: since rest abides thereafter, bear the burden patiently. It is fitting to bend the neck, for sweet are the yokes of Christ: that we may earn his aid, it is fitting to bend the neck. Whoever tills his own fields is wont to keep his barns full, nor shall he go hungry who tills his own fields. Over the sea the sailor flies, that much wealth may grow: to win profit by his wares, over the sea the sailor flies. That man does not fear death amid the raging turmoil of the storm: that he may gain riches, that man does not fear death. The soldier comes to arms, seeking the palm through wounds: that he may return victor, the soldier comes to arms. Take up the battles gladly for me too, dear comrade: so that the triumph may come, take up the battles gladly. Whoever comes through love knows not that he bears any toil: no one lies prostrate from labor, whoever comes through love. Bringing this little song, I render to you the greeting owed: may you give better in return, I pray, bringing this little song.

XXX Ad Sindulfum diaconum Frater amore dei, digno memorabilis actu, pectore fixe meo frater amore dei: carpe libenter iter quod ducit ad aetheris aulam: altius ut surgas, carpe libenter iter. fer patienter onus neque te pia sarcina lasset: unde manet requies, fer patienter onus. subdere colla decet, quia sunt iuga dulcia Christi: quo mereamur opem, subdere colla decet. qui sua rura colit solet horrea plena tenere, nec ieiunus erit qui sua rura colit. per mare nauta volat quo multa pecunia crescat: mercibus ut placeat per mare nauta volat; non timet ille necem rabie turbante procellae: ut lucretur opes non timet ille necem. miles ad arma venit quaerens per vulnera palmam: ut redeat victor, miles ad arma venit. proelia sume libens mihi tu quoque, care sodalis: unde triumphus erit, proelia sume libens. quisquis amore venit nescit se ferre laborem: nemo labore iacet quisquis amore venit. carmina parva ferens tibi debita reddo salutis: des meliora, precor, carmina parva ferens.